Santa Barbara, CA

When Amanda did a guest post for us about Santa Barbara, the city looked so fun and pretty that we couldn't wait to see it for ourselves. We ended up with only a couple hours to explore, which was just enough time to walk the city streets in awe - think beautiful Spanish-inspired architecture (right down to the bus stop waiting benches, sidewalk address markings, and public trash cans) and gorgeous flowers and greenery all throughout the town. The city streets were seriously some of the most beautiful and vibrant that we saw during our trip. 

We took a brief walk to the beach and down the pier to watch the paddle boarders and other beach goers, and to take in the stunning landscape that is a palm tree lined beach with mountains in the distance. It was a view I never tired of while we were in California.

After a look around some of the wonderful shops on State Street, we found ourselves enjoying a super early dinner under the lemon trees at Zaytoon, then we were on our way to the next stop.

Santa Barbara was beyond lovely and is on that list of places where we wish we'd spent more time (and hope to visit again someday!).

-Amanda

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Pacific Coast Highway

We drove out of LA and towards Santa Barbara by way of the Pacific Coast Highway and, although there was a bit of traffic, it couldn't take away from the beautiful views. We even made sure to pull over and walk down to the beach - Taras was hoping for a round of frisbee, but after a toss or two I decided to just sit and take in our surroundings, while Taras entertained himself by running in and out of the brisk water.

-Amanda

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Guest Post | Amanda Marshall

Today we have Amanda from Marshalls Abroad sharing one of her favorite spots in America. Besides Amanda having the greatest name ever (wink) she is also leading a pretty envious life in Japan, where her husband is stationed - they get in their fair share of traveling, for sure. You will not regret visiting her blog, and I dare to you not get completely enamored by all her gorgeous photos!

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I love and miss America and am just so proud as an expat to call it my home. 

There's about a million places I want to tell you to go, Amanda, but my heart is the most attached to one: gorgeous Santa Barbara. My hometown!

It's a mix of Mediterranean and Spanish influence from everything to the architecture to the food. It's seriously so beautiful it hurts.

Things you must do when you go: spend the day on the beach, walk up and down State Street & shop!, go to a farmer's market, eat real Mexican food {it's everywhere!}, go for a hike in the foothills, grab coffee and walk the beach at sunset or sunrise, visit the Mission, and eat as much as you possibly can because the food is just phenomenal. Some of my favorites are Fresco, Palazzio, Carlitos & Santa Barbara Chicken Ranch.  And most of all - you MUST go to Santa Barbara Wine Country!

After traveling the world, I truly still think it is one of the most beautiful places that exists. 

I hope you love it!!

Thanks for having me, Manda.  I hope you have thee best time traveling our country with your hubby. 

{And a big thank you to one of my best friends the lovely and talented Maddie Jacks for letting me use her photos!}

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Thanks so much for sharing Santa Barbara, Amanda!  We cannot wait to see it for ourselves!

Santa Barbara on Dwellable